Collapsible carrying case for surfboards

ABSTRACT

A collapsible case for carrying one or more surfboards is provided. The collapsible carrying case includes a first panel and a second panel, each of the panels having foldable edges. The carrying case further includes a peripheral frame conforming to the edges of the panels. The edges of the peripheral frame are foldable generally towards the center of the case. The carrying case further comprises one or more fasteners configured to retain the collapsible carrying case in a first position for carrying content therein, and to retain the collapsible carrying case in a second position when the collapsible carrying case is collapsed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US15/10781 filed on Jan. 9, 2015, which claims priority from United States provisional application No. 61/927,246, filed on Jan. 14, 2014. The contents of the above-referenced applications are incorporated herein by reference for all that it contains.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to travel cases and more specifically to collapsible cases for carrying surfboards.

BACKGROUND

Surfing is one of the most popular water sports around the world. In surfing, the wave rider, referred to as a surfer, rides on the forward or deep face of a moving sea wave.

Waves suitable for surfing are primarily found in a variety of exotic places. Therefore, surfers travel around the world to visit such exotic places. However, surfers typically experience difficulty traveling with a surfboard. Due to its particular shape and size, carrying the surfboard through places such as airports, train stations, and the like is inconvenient and may harm the surfboard.

It would be therefore advantageous to provide a solution that overcomes the limitations of prior art solutions by providing a carrying case that fits the carriage of a surfboard. It would be further advantageous if such a case would be easy to store when not in use.

SUMMARY

A summary of several exemplary aspects of the disclosure follows. This summary is provided for the convenience of the reader to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments and does not wholly define the breadth of the disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all aspects nor delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. For convenience, the term some embodiments may be used herein to refer to a single embodiment or multiple embodiments of the disclosure.

The disclosure relates to a collapsible carrying case. The case comprises a first panel including a first center portion, a first left portion, and a first right portion, wherein the first left portion and the first right portion are foldable over the first center portion; a second panel including a second center portion, a second left portion, and a second right portion, wherein the second left portion and the second right portion are foldable over the second center portion; a peripheral frame conforming to edges of the first panel and the second panel, wherein a first portion of the peripheral frame conforming to edges of the first right portion and the second right portion is foldable generally towards the center of the first center portion and the second center portion, and wherein a second portion of the peripheral frame conforming to edges of the first left portion and the second left portion is foldable towards the center of the first center portion and the second center portion; and at least one fastener constructed to retain the collapsible carrying case in a first position for carrying content therein, and further configured to retain the collapsible carrying case in a second position when the collapsible carrying case is collapsed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter disclosed herein is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of a collapsible carrying case according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a right side isometric view of a collapsible carrying case in a carrying content position according to an embodiment, the left side view elevation being identical;

FIG. 3 is a right side isometric view of a collapsible carrying case in an open position according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4A is a right side isometric view of a collapsible carrying case in a partial collapsible position according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4B is a right side isometric view of a collapsible carrying case in a partial collapsible position according to an embodiment; and,

FIG. 4C is a right side isometric view of a collapsible carrying case in a collapsible position according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments disclosed herein are only examples of the many possible advantageous uses and implementations of the innovative teachings presented herein. In general, statements made in the specification of the present application do not necessarily limit any of the various claimed embodiments. Moreover, some statements may apply to some inventive features but not to others. In general, unless otherwise indicated, singular elements may be in plural and vice versa with no loss of generality. In the drawings, like numerals refer to like parts through several views.

Some exemplary embodiments disclosed herein include a collapsible case for carrying one or more surfboards. The collapsible carrying case comprises a first panel and a second panel, each of the panels having foldable edges. The carrying case further comprises a peripheral frame conforming to the edges of the panels. The edges of the peripheral frame are foldable generally towards the center of the case. The carrying case further comprises one or more fasteners configured to retain the collapsible carrying case in a first position for carrying content therein, and to retain the collapsible carrying case in a second position when the collapsible carrying case is collapsed.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary and non-limiting front isometric view of a collapsible carrying case 100 in a carrying content position according to an embodiment. The collapsible carrying case 100 is used to carry at least one of: surfboards, snowboards, wakeboards, and the like. A first panel 110 and a second panel 120 made of a semi-rigid material are conformed to a peripheral frame 130. Both the first panel 110 and the second panel 120 have foldable edges. According to an embodiment, each of the first panel 110 and the second panel 120 has an oval shape. The edges of the peripheral frame 130 are foldable generally towards the center of the collapsible carrying case 100 as further described in FIGS. 4A to 4C.

According to one embodiment, the first panel 110, the second panel 120, and the peripheral frame 130 are made of a semi-rigid polypropylene. The semi-rigid polypropylene enables the folding of the edges of the first panel 110, the second panel 120, and the peripheral frame 130 to the collapsible position of the collapsible carrying case 100 as well as securing the content while carried in the carrying content position. The collapsible carrying case 100 may include one or more internal padded dividers (not shown). The internal padded dividers enable the safe carriage of a plurality of content items within the collapsible carrying case 100. According to another embodiment, the first panel 110, the second panel 120, and the peripheral frame 130 may further comprise a water repellent textile in their internal portions. It should be noted that the first panel 110 and the second panel 120 may have one or more overlap areas.

The peripheral frame 130 comprises at least one handle 140-1 through 140-M (collectively referred to hereinafter as handles 140 or individually as a handle 140). The handles 140 enable easy carrying, handling, and lifting of the collapsible carrying case 100. According to one embodiment, the handles 140 may be made of at least one of: a rigid material, a semi-rigid material, a soft material, and the like. According to another embodiment, the handles 140 are connected to one or more telescopic arms (not shown). The one or more telescopic arms enable a configuration of the handle 140 to different heights.

The peripheral frame 130 may further comprise at least one strap 150-1 through 150-m (collectively referred to hereinafter as straps 150 or individually as a strap 150). The straps 150 enable the attachment of the collapsible carrying case 100 to at least one of: one or more shoulder straps, one or more vehicle hangers, and the like. The collapsible carrying case 100 further comprises at least one wheel 160-1 through 160-N (collectively referred to hereinafter as wheels 160 or individually as a wheel 160). According to one embodiment, the wheels 160 may be omni-directional. In a further embodiment, the wheels 160 are located on an opposite end of the collapsible carrying case 100 from the handles 140.

The collapsible carrying case 100 further comprises at least one fastener 170-1 through 170-O (collectively referred to hereinafter as fasteners 170 or individually as a fastener 170). The at least one fastener 170 is configured to retain the collapsible carrying case 100 in the carrying content position, and further configured to retain the collapsible carrying case 100 in the collapsed position. The fasteners 170 are at least one of: zippers, straps, buckles, buttons, and the like. The fastener(s) 170 further enable the opening and closing of the collapsible carrying case 100. According to one embodiment, the at least one fastener 170 further enables the extension of the collapsible carrying case 100 in at least one of: length, width, and depth.

In this exemplary embodiment the wheels 160 are located on the surface of the peripheral frame 130 adjacent to the ground. The handles 140 are located on the opposite surface of the peripheral frame 130, in this case the surface opposite the ground. At least one strap 150 is located near the handle 140 on the same surface. Fasteners 170 are located on opposite edges of the same surface as the handles 140 and at least one strap 150. This embodiment is non-limiting and the handles 140, straps 150, wheels 160, and fasteners 170 may be located on any surfaces or edges of the collapsible carrying case 100.

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary and non-limiting right side isometric view 200 of the collapsible carrying case 100 in a carrying content position according to an embodiment. According to this embodiment, the first panel 110 comprises a center portion 113 having at least a left edge and a right edge. The first panel 110 further comprises a left portion 115 having a first right edge connected to the left edge of the center portion 113. The first panel 110 further comprises a right portion 117 having a left edge connected to the right edge of the center portion 113. Both the left portion 115 and the right portion 117 of the first panel 110 are foldable over the center portion 113 of the first panel 110. The left portion 115 and the right portion 117 are shaped as one of: a rectangle, a triangle, a semicircle, a semi-oval, a semi-hexagon. According to this embodiment, the first panel 110 is generally identical to the second panel 120, having a center portion 123, a left portion 125, and a right portion 127.

The peripheral frame 130 comprises a first portion 133 and a second portion 135. The first portion 133 of the peripheral frame 130 conforming to edges of the right portion 117 is foldable generally towards the center of the center portion 113. The second portion 135 of the peripheral frame 130 conforming to edges of the left portion 115 is foldable generally towards the center of the center portion 113. According to one embodiment, the peripheral frame 130 further comprises a center portion 137 made of a rigid material. The third center portion 137 enables the securing of content carried in the collapsible carrying case 100 while in a collapsible position as further described herein below with respect of FIG. 4C.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary and non-limiting right side isometric view 300 of the collapsible carrying case 100 in an open position according to an embodiment. According to this embodiment, by opening the fastener(s) 170 the first panel 110 is at least partially detached from the collapsible carrying case 100, thereby enabling the insertion of content into the collapsible carrying case 100. According to one embodiment, the second panel 120 comprises one or more internal cases 310. The internal case(s) 310 may further comprise one or more fasteners (not shown).

FIG. 4A depicts an exemplary and non-limiting right side isometric view 400A of the collapsible carrying case 100 in a partial collapsible position according to an embodiment. According to this embodiment, the left portion 115 of the first panel 110 is folded 410 over the center portion 113 of the first panel 110. The right portion 115 of the first panel 110 is folded 420 over the center portion 113 of the first panel 110. The left portion 125 of the second panel 120 is folded 430 over the center portion 123 of the second panel 120. The right portion 127 of the second panel 120 is folded 440 over the center portion 123 of the second panel 120.

FIG. 4B depicts an exemplary and non-limiting right side isometric view 400A of the collapsible carrying case 100 in a partial collapsible position according to an embodiment. According to this embodiment, the first portion 133 of the peripheral frame 130 is folded 450 towards the center portion 137 of the peripheral frame 130. The second portion 135 of the peripheral frame 130 is folded 460 towards the center portion 137 of the peripheral frame.

FIG. 4B depicts an exemplary and non-limiting right side isometric view 400A of the collapsible carrying case 100 in a partial collapsible position according to an embodiment. According to this embodiment, the first portion 133 of the peripheral frame 130 is folded 450 towards the center portion 137 of the peripheral frame 130. The second portion 135 of the peripheral frame 130 is folded 460 towards the center portion 137 of the peripheral frame.

FIG. 4C depicts an exemplary and non-limiting right side isometric view 400C of the collapsible carrying case 100 in a collapsible position according to an embodiment. According to this embodiment, after the folding of the first panel 110, the second panel 120, and the third panel 130, the fasteners 170 are closed, thereby positioning the collapsible carrying case 100 in the collapsible position.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A collapsible carrying case, comprising: a first panel (110) including a first center portion (113), a first left portion (115), and a first right portion (117), wherein the first left portion and the first right portion are foldable over the first center portion; a second panel (120) including a second center portion (123), a second left portion (125), and a second right portion (127), wherein the second left portion and the second right portion are foldable over the second center portion; a peripheral frame (130) conforming to edges of the first panel and the second panel, wherein a first portion of the peripheral frame conforming to edges of the first right portion and the second right portion is foldable generally towards the center of the first center portion and the second center portion, and wherein a second portion of the peripheral frame conforming to edges of the first left portion and the second left portion is foldable towards the center of the first center portion and the second center portion; and at least one fastener (170) constructed to retain the collapsible carrying case in a first position for carrying content therein, and further configured to retain the collapsible carrying case in a second position when the collapsible carrying case is collapsed.
 2. The collapsible carrying case of claim 1, wherein each of the first left portion and the first right portion are any one of: a rectangle, a triangle, a semicircle, a semi-oval, and a semi-hexagon.
 3. The collapsible carrying case of claim 1, wherein each of the second left portion and the second right portion are any one of: a rectangle, a triangle, a semicircle, a semi-oval, and a semi-hexagon.
 4. The collapsible carrying case of claim 1, wherein the at least one fastener is a zipper.
 5. The collapsible carrying case of claim 1, wherein each of the first panel and the second panel has an oval shape.
 6. The collapsible carrying case of claim 1, wherein the first panel and the second panel have at least one overlapping area.
 7. The collapsible carrying case of claim 1, wherein the collapsible carrying case is constructed to extend in length.
 8. The collapsible carrying case of claim 1, wherein the collapsible carrying case is constructed to extend in width.
 9. The collapsible carrying case of claim 1, wherein the collapsible carrying case is constructed to extend in depth.
 10. The collapsible carrying case of claim 1, further comprising at least one strap (150), wherein the at least one strap enables the attachment of the collapsible carrying case to at least one of: at least one shoulder strap and at least one vehicle hanger.
 11. The collapsible carrying case of claim 1, further comprising at least one wheel (160).
 12. The collapsible carrying case of claim 11, wherein the at least one wheel is omni-directional.
 13. The collapsible carrying case of claim 1, wherein the first center portion has at least a left edge and a right edge.
 14. The collapsible carrying case of claim 13, wherein the first left portion has a first right edge connected to the left edge of the first center portion and the first right portion has a first left edge connected to the right edge of the first center portion.
 15. The collapsible carrying case of claim 1, wherein the second center portion has at least a left edge and a right edge.
 16. The collapsible carrying case of claim 15, wherein the second left portion has a second right edge connected to the left edge of the second center portion and the second right portion has a second left edge connected to the right edge of the second center portion. 